❉Good morning❉
There are 2 fabulous museums to read about today - one is in Kansas City, MO and the other is located in NYC. You'll also find out about Mack Avenue Records, Marsalis Music, and Motema Music!
Enjoy ~
1. (15) Since its opening in 1997, the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, MO has hosted thousands of world-class jazz performances in its Blue Room jazz club and Gem Theater; displayed dozens of compelling exhibitions in its Changing Gallery, presented countless education programs and community events and nurtured a unique artifact & film collection.
This Friday, April 30, 2010 at 8PM (In celebration of the 111th anniversary of Duke Ellington's birthday) there will be an Ellington Tribute Concert featuring Clark Terry, Barrie Hall, the Ellington All-Star Big Band, and the American Jazz Museum Institute Student All-Star Band.
2. (16) Jazzmobile was founded in 1964 by Dr. Billy Taylor. Its signature programs held in the NYC area are the Summer Festival, Harlem International Jazz Festival and the Jazzmobile Vocal Competition.
3. (17) Founded in 1999, Mack Avenue Records is the recording home of Ron Blake, Tia Fuller, Kenny Garrett, Hot Club of Detroit, Sean Jones, Stanley Jordan, Christian McBride, Gerald Wilson, Danilo Perez, et al. This independent label is headquartered in Harper Woods, MI.
Mack Avenue Records is also synonymous with its association to the Detroit International Jazz Festival. Mack Avenue founder Gretchen Valade created a new nonprofit foundation dedicated solely to producing the annual Labor Day weekend event, saving it from virtual collapse.
4. (18) Marsalis Music was launched in 2002 by Branford Marsalis to focus primarily on Jazz. The roster features such promising new artists such as Miguel Zenon and Claudia Acuna as well as Marsalis himself and established artists such as Joey Calderazzo and Harry Connick, Jr.
5. (19) MAXJAZZ has a love affair with Jazz. It was founded in 1998 by Richard McDonnell dedicated to the presentation and celebration of America’s only original art form.
From the website - "Each recording is a product of warmth, precision and meticulous attention to detail. Sound is mastered to perfection. Track selection and editing is a delicate and diligent collaboration of artist, engineer and producer - no short cuts that diminish quality are acceptable. Both live and studio discs are available. Only the most accomplished and creative performers are considered by MAXJAZZ."
6. (20) Motema Music was founded by arts patrons and music professionals in the San Francisco Bay area and now based in Harlem, NYC. The label is home to a growing roster of recordings by award-winning artists such as of Geri Allen, Roni Ben-Hur, Babatunde Lea, et al.
7. (21) The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is dedicated to fostering Jazz as a living, breathing entity that looks as far into the future as it does into the past.
There are six vibrant and informative programs: Harlem Speaks, Saturday Panels, Jazz for Curious Readers, Jazz for Curious Listeners, Harmony in Harlem for Young Jazz Musicians, and Jazz is: Now!.
I encourage you to visit the museums mentioned today ~ Kansas City's American Jazz Museum and New York City's National Jazz Museum in Harlem! :D